Happy Relaxed Engaged: Implementing HRE In Therapy
Happy, relaxed, engaged. Something we all want to be. This is an approach created by Dr.
Greg Hanley, also called the “My Way” approach. The Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center says
we need to “get to a place where the child is most comfortable and prepared to learn.” (Bogart,
2022) Most people could agree that we are more likely to retain information if we are relaxed
and happy. Think back to school: If the room was too cold or too hot, it was hard to focus. The
same is true for engagement. The more you engage with someone, the better rapport you
have.
Going back to the school example, you remember what you learned with the fun and interactive
teachers more than the ones that droned on and on. This method by Dr. Hanley allows the child
to get what they want, then slowly teaching tolerance; showing them they don’t always get their
way.
There are some ways we go about keeping the children happy, relaxed, and engaged.
Teach the child to say, “I want it my way”. By doing this they have a sense of control over the
situation. This is like “pairing” at Daytastic. We start off by letting the child have control over
the whole session. We are gaining their trust, keeping them happy, relaxed, and engaged. Fade
out “I want it my way” and replace it with “excuse me”. Social skills are a very important part of
life. Saying “excuse me” when asking for something is a social norm we practice. After fading
out all the prompts, it is time to start telling the child “No”. This shows them that sometimes we
don’t always get our way (Trauma-Informed ABA: The “My Way” Approach, n.d.)
Life has a great way of not giving us all what we want, when we want it. The “My Way”
approach can help soften that reality for some children. We use this method because it helps us
build a strong relationship with the child. We started off by meeting any need the child might
have, which makes them happy. When you are happy you are usually relaxed as well.
Engagement is a huge component in this. We are not keeping the child from having their way at
all. This process has helped gain their trust with the caretaker and are more likely to accept no.
Resources:
Bogart, L. (2022, October 24). What is HRE Within Applied Behavior Analysis? Hopebridge
Explains How “Happy, Relaxed, Engaged” Drives Autism Therapy. Hopebridge Autism
Therapy Center. https://www.hopebridge.com/happy-relaxed-engaged-children-in-aba-
therapy/
Trauma-Informed ABA: The “My Way” Approach. (n.d.). We Offer ABA Therapy in Miami.
https://www.onebehavior.com/abablog/ethicalaba
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Learn More about ABA Therapy
ABA Therapy combines Functional Communication Training and Script/Script Fading strategies to empower children with autism to express their needs effectively and connect with others in meaningful ways.
Setting realistic goals in ABA therapy is a collaborative and dynamic process that combines professional expertise with family insight. By focusing on the child’s developmental stage, prioritizing meaningful and measurable goals, and maintaining flexibility, families can create a roadmap for success. With patience, persistence, and partnership, these goals become steppingstones toward greater independence, improved quality of life, and a brighter future for the child.
Emotional regulation involves the ability to monitor, evaluate, and modify emotional responses to meet the demands of a given situation. It encompasses recognizing emotions, understanding their causes, and implementing strategies to manage them. For individuals with ASD, emotional regulation difficulties may manifest as heightened reactivity, impulsivity, or meltdowns when faced with stressors. These challenges are often rooted in difficulties with communication, sensory processing, or coping mechanisms. ABA interventions focus on breaking down emotional regulation into teachable components, using reinforcement and other behavior-modification techniques. The goal is to equip individuals with the tools they need to navigate emotional experiences and respond constructively.